Listen:
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)
Reflect:
God gives me joy as a gift (for the fruit of the Spirit are love, you, peace… Galatians 5:22).
As the days are dark and rainy here, I have asked myself, where is the joy. But joy is MORE than happiness and it is not based on sunny weather, nor on my or your circumstances. James says to consider it joy when we experience trails because we then grow (James 1:2-4). This is counter intuitive and counterculture. In Philippians 4 Paul rejoices over and over – and encourages us to do the same.
In the verse for this day, John 15:11, Jesus is telling his disciples (and us) so we can have complete joy. But what had he told them? Perhaps it is two things: Jesus called them (and us) FRIENDS and he will not leave them alone when he left but is sending the Holy Spirit to comfort, lead, and guide. What joy!
I and you are friends of Jesus! This is too awesome to take in, yet it is truth. AND the Holy Spirit is with us forever. Again, WHAT JOY! Even in the dark days, even in tough circumstances we have something that is a treasure.
Prayer of Response:
We praise and thank you, Jesus, for giving us the fruit of Joy; for calling us friends; and for leaving your Spirit here with us. These are awesome truths to consider and meditate upon – until you come, and all things will be made right. AMEN.
Questions to Ponder:
When you are focusing on your circumstances, how can you remember to re-shift that focus on God and what he has already done for you – and what he is doing for you? And what he will do for you?
—Submitted by Patty Jehle
Patty Jehle, MA, is a Swiss citizen, born in the USA, but has been living in Switzerland for 30 years. She is married to Patrik and has three adult children and one son-in-law. She’s currently a university lecturer, a certified spiritual director, and a certified business coach and supervisor, – and on the board of her coaching organization, EASC. She attended the very first LSM and helped out with LSM-Zürich.(www.jehle-coaching.com )